Finding the Right Woodwind TeacherFinding a saxophone or clarinet teacher in the Seacoast Area of NH can be a challenge. Nils Crusberg has been providing the community of Exeter, NH with a top notch woodwind lessons program for over ten years. With that said, it is important to determine if the material at hand is providing the student with the proper learning experience. Every teacher has his or her own style of teaching. When you are looking for a suitable music instructor, many things should be taken into consideration. Some teachers concentrate on a particular type of music such as blues, jazz, or classical. They may drill the student with technical exercises or they may concentrate on creativity. While one teacher will focus on mechanical accuracy the other may spend more time working on improvisation. Other factors such as the cost of the lessons, the location of the teacher’s studio, or the teacher’s credentials may be things to consider when choosing a music teacher. It’s up to the student to decide what is best for them, and it might take working with a few different instructors before a person finds a suitable match.

Teacher as an InstructorIt is your teacher’s job to describe the best methods to help you learn to play your instrument and to achieve your musical goals. He or she should give you material that reflects your interests and abilities. Good study habits should be outlined to help the student focus on the proper things. Your teacher should describe why it’s important to learn different aspects of the instrument. Depending on the interests and goals of the student, the teacher should cover topics such as: Songs, Techniques, Theory, Rhythms, Soloing, Scales, Arpeggios, Exercises, Ear Training, Reading, etc.

Teacher as a CoachYour saxophone/clarinet teacher should spend time in the lessons coaching you thru material, when necessary. A typical coaching routine will have the student performing an arrangement or exercise, with the teacher describing specific things that can immediately be worked on. The student can then repeat their attempts to execute the material while using the approaches that were recommended by their teacher. This “hands on” guidance is a valuable method to build the proper techniques for playing your instrument. The teacher should show enthusiasm when the student succeeds. When the student fails, the teacher should encourage the student to continue to work to meet their objectives.